Rinku Singh's 176 Secures UP's Ranji Draw vs Tamil Nadu

Coimbatore, India - Rinku Singh delivered a career-best unbeaten 176 to guide Uttar Pradesh to a narrow five-run first-innings lead over Tamil Nadu, securing a draw in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match on Wednesday.

The game, played at the Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science Ground, concluded on the fourth day with Uttar Pradesh dismissed for 460 in response to Tamil Nadu's 455. The visitors earned three points for the lead, while the hosts claimed one. Singh, batting at number five, resumed on 98 overnight and anchored the innings across two days, facing 247 balls and striking 17 fours and six sixes. His patient yet aggressive knock, his ninth first-class century, transformed a precarious position into a competitive total.

Uttar Pradesh had been under pressure after losing early wickets, but Singh steadied the ship with key partnerships. He added 104 runs for the sixth wicket with Shivam Mavi, who scored 54, before contributing 58 for the seventh with Kartik Yadav (20 not out) and 53 for the eighth with Shivam Sharma (22). Dismissed attempting a big shot off P Vidyuth in the 143rd over, caught by Sonu Yadav, Singh left Uttar Pradesh 12 runs short. Aaqib Khan (14...